Inspired by seeing 11 of his 12 Ryder Cup winning teammates in Shanghai for the inaugural US$7 million BMW Masters in Shanghai, Jose Maria Olazabal fired a five-under 67 at the Lake Malaran Golf Club to finish the first round in joint fourth, behind leader Jamie Donaldson (10-under 62).

A blogger in China who made a death threat against Roger Federer said he had apologised, but remained at large after vowing to “assassinate” the world number one, according to an Internet posting. The 17-time grand slam champion has had heavy security surrounding him at all times since arriving in Shanghai.